Meet the Team at Mathnasium of Mount Vernon

Ben Bramsen

Ben got his start in education while volunteering at the Indianapolis Zoo with marine animals such as walruses -- which he regards as the best animals in the animal kingdom! Answering questions posed about the animals and what could be done to help the environment piqued his interest in other forms of education. He appreciates that at Mathnasium you can see the progression and positive impact on students’ lives each day. In his free time, Ben can be found playing guitar (although rather poorly he admits readily), spending time in nature, and exploring new places!

Nicki Atwood

Nicki hails from Baltimore and studied Physics and Chemistry at University of Richmond. While working with students in college, she noticed that many times students are held back because of a gap in their educational foundation and that drew her to Mathnasium’s unique approach. When not at Mathnasium, Nicki loves to visit different cities and hang out with her cat. In fact, she loves pets of all shapes and sizes, and has had many different types of pets, including a dog, a mouse, a rabbit, and even a hedgehog!

James Temple

James developed a passion for and proficiency with Mathematics during his middle and high school years. In 2000, James graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in Mathematics and a love for solving all types of problems. He took those skills into the United States Air Force where he served for 7 years as an aircraft maintenance officer. It was during these years that James had the opportunity to tutor home schooled children and really started to appreciate the frustration that many kids feel towards Mathematics. James left the Air Force in 2007 to go back to the University of Virginia where he received his Master's of Business Administration degree from the Darden School of Business.

JoAnn Temple

JoAnn became interested in the education of children while raising her four sons and assisting them with their homework. She obtained a degree in early childhood education while simultaneously working at an early intervention and rehab facility, which served children with special needs. There she was given many opportunities in varying positions within the agency. During this time she gained valuable knowledge and experience focusing on the development of young children. In more recent years she worked in an early childhood special education program and was also a substitute teacher in the public school system. Through these experiences she gained first hand knowledge of how frustrating it can be for teachers to try to meet the needs of all their students with limited resources and other constraints. Mathnasium represents an opportunity for James and JoAnn, as a mother and son team, to combine their complimentary experiences, education and fundamental values to help kids learn math.